Though NFL Media's Jeff Darlington was told that it will be an "uphill battle" for Maclin to play, the seventh-year receiver is officially active for the game. Maclin rested his ankle all week.

Sources told Darlington that it's purely Maclin's ankle -- not his knee -- that continues to give him issues after he suffered a high ankle sprain in last week's wild-card victory over the Texans. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Maclin had difficulty walking this week, let alone running.

Losing Maclin would have served as a crushing blow for Kansas City's air attack. He led the team with 1,088 receiving yards and eight touchdowns off a career-high 87 grabs, giving quarterback Alex Smith a reliable downfield option.

Even though he is playing, it's fair to wonder if Maclin's role will expand beyond that of a decoy, pulling cover men away from tight end Travis Kelce.